Viewers keep returning to the 2019 British war film 1917, now considered a modern classic, with one fan on Rotten Tomatoes admitting to having watched it around five times. The film, directed by Sam Mendes, is available to stream on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Inspired by Real Stories
The film's realistic portrayal of war is drawn from the experiences of Mendes's grandfather, Alfred, a British soldier in World War One. Set in 1917, the story follows two British soldiers on a mission to deliver a message calling off an attack during the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line.
Critical and Audience Praise
Fans have praised the film's technical achievements, with one review calling it "Technically perfect and with surprisingly well-done dramatic development." Another noted, "The way it's shot makes every moment feel immediate, pulling you into the journey from start to finish." The film holds an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Award-Winning Craft
The film earned 10 Oscar nominations and won for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects. The cast includes George MacKay, Andrew Scott, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Richard Madden. A reviewer highlighted "Incredible performances from the main characters William Schofield — played by George MacKay and Tom Blake — played by Dean-Charles Chapman."
The film's immersive feel comes from its intentional design as two continuous shots, a collaboration between the editor and cinematographer that contributed to its Oscar success. While praised as a "masterpiece," viewers are left "haunted" by its depiction of war.
